d. The menu
consisted only of one dish--a pan of cold boiled rice. With a piece of
stick it was cut into equal shares, and each man took his portion in his
hand and devoured it at his leisure. We remained there five days. The
only event of interest which occurred there was my being taken out to
General Tropier's headquarters. He asked a few questions about the
gunboat which was blockading the entrance to Georgetown Bay. My answers
were rather evasive. Then I did some talking about the treatment we had
received after being taken prisoners. He said that in future we would
not be abused while under his control.

About four o'clock of the fifth day we were taken from the jail, and,
with a cavalry guard, we were started for Charleston, S. C. It was a
triangular journey. Straight down the coast Charleston was distant sixty
miles, but the Yankees had the water routes, and consequently we had to
walk forty-three miles west to King's Tree, the nearest railroad
station. Thence, by railroad, we were taken sixty-five miles southeast
to Charleston. Lieutenant Burroughs was in charge of the party. He
allowed us to walk at an ordinary gait, and was very kind and civil to
us.

CHAPTER XXI

IN THE PRISON

At nine o'clock we arrived at the Black River Ferry, where a halt was
made for the night. We were then taken into the ferryman's house.
Lieutenant Burroughs ordered supper for four. Arrants, the paymaster,
and myself were invited by him to supper. It was the only time I had a
civilized meal while in the Confederacy. We all slept on the hard floor,
a fire in the room keeping us warm. At daylight we crossed the river on
a primitive ferry. A rope was fastened to each bank of the river, and an
old-flat boat was held in place by it, and pulled back and forth by hand
power. At noon we halted for a rest and to cook the dinner--some more
boiled rice. Late at night we arrived at King's Tree. The next day, in
the afternoon, we got to Charleston, and were at once given in charge
of the provost-marshal. After the taking of our names and rank the party
was separated. The sailors were escorted to the jail by a guard, and a
young lieutenant very politely informed us that we would go with him by
a different route, so as not to attract the attention of the citizens.
He took us through the burnt district.

What a wonderful change there was since I had last been in that city!
All business was suspended. A large area was in ruins from the fi